Advice please - lame horse

[nic83]

Right, some advice please, if you don’t mind

Lame horse – back ground

Horse came in from the field with a ripped rug on his right shoulder – indicating rough play with his field mate (this is a common theme).Didn’t notice anything a miss as he came in – but field is only about 2 metres from stable and not riding after work at moment due to lack of daylight/arena.

Turned out next day, nothing amiss, but was turned out alone to prevent further rug damage. Friend brought him in to ride – noticed lame, seemingly to be right shoulder, no heat, swelling or indication of soreness anywhere. Lameness wasn’t noticeable on soft ground but on hard ground. Next day seemed sound on soft ground but trotted up lame on hard ground. Box rested for a week on vets advice and trotted up again – seemed sound, and leaping about all over the place with excitement at being out. Turned out for an hour and then walked in hand for 20minutes or so for a few days. Turnout is now back to normal, although now individual as I’m worried their play is getting too rough.

Day off Friday so got back on and did 30 minute walk round the block, it was blowing a gale we had a few spooks etc but nothing major, didn’t feel quite right, but nothing noticeable (and again put down to first time ridden in 3 weeks). He was fine when I got off and didn’t notice anything as I walked him back to stable. Went to ride again yesterday and walking off the yard I noticed he was lame (I didn’t turnout but it had not been noticed by YM).

He is back on box rest and I will be ringing the vet tomorrow, but I am panicking (he is my first horse) I want to know whats going on, but don’t want to panic too early. Just to be clear, although he is lame he is not hobbling or unable to bear weight/ relcutant to move, just not right.

Does anyone have any advice – how much rest do vets suggest before you start further investigation? Just want to know what to expect I guess

Thanks for reading and for any advice.

 

[classicalfan]

First of all, don't panic! It could be any number of things, from some bruising on the sole of his hoof, a pulled muscle, a bruised muscle or even a saddle that doesn't fit properly. Be aware that box rest is often prescribed but in our expreience it is better to keep the horse moving as much as possible. My guess is that he has some bruising which is why he feels it on hard ground as the concussive travels up the leg but please, please, please, also check your saddle fit.